Approximately 71 percent of voters cast votes for Issue 53, according to the unofficial tally from the Franklin County Board of Elections.

With all 56 precincts reporting, the count was 6,752 for the levy to 2,784 against.

"The residents of Worthington totally love their library, and this levy will make sure the library supports the community and will continue to be a central part of the community for years to come," libraries director Chuck Gibson said.

Everyone worked together to ensure the success of the levy, he said, thanking staff, volunteers and the board of trustees for their hard work.

The permanent levy will replace the 2.2-mill, 22-year levy approved by voters in 1992.

The new levy will add $37.44 annually to the tax bill of a property valued at $100,000.

It is a continuing levy, meaning it will not expire like the 1992 levy did.

Library officials said the levy was needed to fulfill the goals of the 2013-15 strategic plan, which includes maintaining current service levels, providing for growth in response to technological and societal change and expanding services to meet increasing demand.

In 2012, the Worthington Libraries circulated more than 3.3 million items, making it the ninth-highest circulating library in the state.

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